Lascaux Fixative?

Muffin_4377 · #1 06-10-2005, 04:41 PM

Lascaux Fixative

I happened to come across this product today. Did a search, got nothing but caves

.

So I was wondering, Anyone use it?

I'm not keen on using fixative, but I'm interested for plein air work. We do alot of camping, and I would like to have alittle added protection for my work while in/from the bush. (now I know I still have to be cautious with them.)

It says this stuff "causes minimal change in colour of pastels". How minimal? Would I just have to retouch highlights? Is it worth the cost ($30 CDN)?

I know all about the fixative "issues"....so I just would like hear info about this product.

Thanks Folks

Khadres · #2 06-10-2005, 04:51 PM

THIRTY BUCKS????? Whoa! I can certainly see why you're looking for recommendations before buying! Even in Canadian bucks that's a LOT for a can of fixative!

I'll be interested to see if you get good feedback on this. I've pretty much given up on fixatives after either using it and having it actually "fix" ineffectively or else drastically killing the color. I finally figured it's just not worth it, but maybe this stuff is the Holy Grail of fxatives...will be nice to find out.

Deborah Secor · #3 06-10-2005, 05:03 PM

Many artists I know like the Lascaux. I don't--but that's just me. I prefer the Sennelier fix for soft pastels called La Tour. I can get it in a pump instead of the spray, which I prefer. The Lascaux only comes in a huge spray can. Now, mind you, the Sennelier is not cheap either, but I like buying the small plastic bottle with the pump on it. If you're camping size might also be a conisderation.

Have you done a search on Lascaux or on fixatives in this forum? I know we've talked about it a lot. Also check the Library.

Deborah

LorraineG · #4 06-10-2005, 06:08 PM

Hi,

I have used Lascaux fixative for over six years. I recommend it. I don't find it changes the colour. I have used other fixatives in the past and have had to go back in and put back the highlights. I have not had to do this with Lascaux. I have used it on Velour and Canson pastel paper.

I get mine from www.greatart.co.uk. I have just done a search on google by typing in (lascaux pastel fixative spray) and this website name came up www.jerrysartarama.com they have a sale price of $12.99 offer ends on the 30th June 05. List price $25.99

Lorraine

Bringer · #5 06-10-2005, 06:16 PM

Hi,

I guess it was Degas who had this special formula for fixing ?
I guess there's also fixing through vapour.
One can also fix through the back of the paper, but I suppose this way the first layer won't be fixed and that's what smears most.
The first fixative I used was from W&N and I also have Talens.
I've red that Lascaux is the best, but nowadays I think it's all comercial interests.
Anyway, brands that I would try are : Lascaux; Latour; Schminke
I can say that I'm satisfied with mine and they don't change the colours in a noticeable way since I very spray very thin. And of course they still smear.
I don't know what technique you use but image that you will spray for 3 seconds.
You should not hold the button for 3 seconds, but hold for 1 second and spray across. Then wait a bit, like 5 or 10 minutes, then spray again for 1 second across and so on. And don't push the button to the bottom, just enough to get a cloud of fixatixe, not a jet. Sometimes I don't even spray directly to the paint but a bit above so that fixative particles may fall over the painting.
Just one more thing : the painting should be more or less 45º and the first pressure never goes to the painting. After all this stuff, turn spray upside down and spray to clean the valve.
I know this sounded like a testament :-)

Regards,

José

Deborah Secor · #6 06-10-2005, 06:43 PM

I wanted to add here that I really don't think you need to use fix on your paintings... I know you know all the issues...

but the fact is I stick my paintings inside a newsprint pad & schlep them all over the place with no real problems. You could even roll them up with some newsprint over them and carry them in a nice sturdy tube, which might be easier than flat. Even then you don't really need the fix! In fact, in the end NOT fixing will mean you can touch up, re-do and change things--but if you fix you'll have to be happy with what is,a nd they can still smear when 'fixed.'

Okay--that's my 2 cents worth for the person who just drops in and doesn't know anything about fixing pastels!

Deborah

Muffin_4377 · #7 06-10-2005, 07:52 PM

Oh Deb you have given me a great idea!!! Fishing rod tubes/canisters would work fantastic for that!!! Thx...

You rock!

But I think I would still need some fixative (On at least the ones I'm happy with

). Sometimes our camping sites are only accessible by quad/ATV's (or small air craft), So I'm worried about the vibration and jolting of the quad causing some serious shedding, even in a canister...( it's so bad that if you had a cooler full of just cans of "pop" and ice, but the time you got to campsite (3.5 hrs later), the labels would be rubbed right off, leaving matte silver cans.)

Khadres · #8 06-10-2005, 08:24 PM

Holy smokes! Is this also a good weight-control passtime? Can I jiggle off a few pounds while you're at it?

Actually, I don't use fixative now (after some bad luck with it) unless I'm in process and need additional tooth...it does help hold the foundation colors in place and yet restores enough tooth to add more. And I don't do THAT very often...still I can see your problem if there's that much vibration going on.

HarvestMoon · #9 06-12-2005, 03:50 PM

I use the Sennelier fixative too- when I use it- but since I found sheets of glassine paper, and since I found out you don't REALLY need it, I don't use it much. It is only $15 a can....my formal pastel teacher liked the cheap stuff you get at Michael's- Krylon- it is inexpensive- but she uses it specifically on certain areas to intentionally darken areas...

BTW you go camping near Alberta? With bears and moose and all that stuff? I am only used to rattlesnakes, fire ants, and scorpions!

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